On Humans

A Human Like No Other: The Rise of Homo Sapiens ~ Johannes Krause

Apr 16, 2025
Johannes Krause, a leading expert from the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, dives into the transformative science of ancient DNA. He explores the wild Ice Age world where Homo sapiens coexisted with Neanderthals and Denisovans. Topics include how climate changes shaped our ancestors' success, the intriguing genetic legacies we share, and the mysterious fate of Neanderthals. With a sprinkle of fantastical island tales and the complexities of human migration, Krause challenges conventional wisdom about our origins and evolution.
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ANECDOTE

Krause's Birthplace Inspires Passion

  • Johannes Krause was born in the same German village as the discoverer of the Neanderthal fossil.
  • This coincidence inspired his passion for fossil hunting and human origins research.
INSIGHT

Limits of Ancient DNA Sequencing

  • Ancient DNA sequencing now reaches back about 420,000 years, revealing early Neanderthals' genomes.
  • However, no human DNA has been found from deep frozen permafrost, as archaic humans didn't inhabit such northern regions.
INSIGHT

Sapiens' Cultural Advantage

  • Homo sapiens displayed superior cultural abilities and technology that allowed them to inhabit extreme environments.
  • This capability enabled human expansion into the Arctic, high mountains, and new continents unlike other hominins.
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